Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

12/25/07 Thinking of you today and every Holiday, Pete.
Merry Christmas in Heaven!
Love, mother-in-law Arlene

mother-in-law

December 25, 2007

PETE,
YOU ARE MISSED BY ALL. IT WAS HARD TO SEE MY FAMILY GREIVE YOUR LOSS AND STILL BE SO KIND A GENTLE. YOUR DAUGHTER IS A BEAUTIFUL, SMART, FUNNY YOUNG LADY. I'M SURE YOUR VERY PROUD!!! THERESA HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB, TO CARRY ON YOUR LEGACY (I LOVE YOU, THERESA). I WAS HONORED TO HAVE YOU HELP ME THROUGH THE POLICE ACADEMY. YOU ALWAYS WERE AN ANGEL, GIVING OF YOURSELF. THANKS!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU,
KASSY.

HE STILL PATROLS THE HEAVENS AND REST SAFELY IN THE ARMS OF ANGEL'S. SADNESS WILL COME TO PASS AS YOU GRIEVE, BUT THE MEMORIES YOU HOLD MOST DEAR WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS. MAY THE LORD GRANT THE ORTIZ FAMILY COMFORT AND CLOSURE.

P/O KASSY DURKIN/MCMAHON
THERESA'S COUSIN

November 8, 2007

Rest in peace knowing that we will never forget you.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 21, 2007

I only knew you for a short time but I know you were a great man and loving father. Your nephew always talked about his Tio Pete and how you were his role model. Do not worry because your daughter is a very intelligent young lady and she has a wonderful mother raising her. You should know that you are not forgotten and your family is always talking about the Halloween stories. Rest in peace Officer Pete.

Lolyta Perez
In-Law

September 21, 2007

Wow uncle Pete how the years have flown by, We miss you so much, you have left us, but have opened our hearts, we miss you dearly, everything reminds us of you, such as all the events on ice that you used to take us all too, they all remind us of you, and how you loved halloween and scaring the kids, lol, we miss that, but never will we forget the memories, Uncle Pete nicole is so beautiful, she looks like our family so much, Just keep an eye on us and we will see you when we get there, Muah loving and missing you always, the Ortiz family.

Maggie Perez
Niece

September 20, 2007

You are truly a hero to many people and are very much missed. Nicole is a beautiful, smart and generous young lady. She reminds me of you in so many ways. Curtain expressions or silly remarks are totally you. I will never let her forget her father and what a hero he was. As for Tina Hudrick I really never heard from or talked to her. I am sure that she is living the pain that all of us have lived these 7 years. If you were here I am sure you would tell her you forgive her. I have a hard time with that but know it is the right thing to do. You will never get the chance to see how your little girl has grown and that hurts the most. I love you and miss you more than anyone could know.

Love,
Theresa

Theresa
Wife

August 25, 2007

Uncle Pete
I will never forget the day that you left us. I was in college and i was watching the news when all of a sudden i see my family on tv. At first i didn't know what was going on but then i realized what happened. Our world was falling down. Our hero was no longer here. The only person in our family to make something of himself is gone. Every year that has passed by we the family remember you and have a service in your name. Just reminding you that you are gone but never forgotten. Nicole is so beautiful and looks just like our family. Just remember that we will take good care of her. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY.. I will see you when i get there. love you and miss you, your neice.

Maggie Perez
Niece

April 9, 2007

MY CLASSMATE, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...I AM HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU. YOUR PRESENCE IS MISSED IN MY LIFE.

GODSPEED MY BROTHER

CLASS 318

April 6, 2007

It has been 6 years since your tour of duty ended. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over that big family of yours, stay close to them and protect them.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 21, 2006

P/O Ortiz, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD

May 30, 2006

I'm currently going through the process of trying to become a Philadelphia Police Officer. One day I came across this website and I've made it my goal to read the names and stories of every Philadelphia Police Officer killed while on duty, as a way to honor their memories. Officer Ortiz's story stuck out to me because he reminds me of the type of officer I would like to be. As I read the stories of how each officer was killed I'm saddened but also filled with a sense of pride, because I know that I've chosen one of the noblest professions one can chose. Being a polce officer isn't a job its a commitment to a new family. To those officers that have lost that feeling of enthusiam and pride, I hope by reading my reflection you realize how much respect and admiration I and everyone have for the job you do. To all the members of the Philadelphia Police Department who have lost their lives and especially Officer Ortiz I hope to honor your memory by one day patrolling the same streets you all once did. Honor, Integrity, Service.

S/O Neftali Ramos
University of Pennsylvania

March 4, 2006

It can never be truly said how many lives you saved just doing your job. When you were taken from this life, you continued to save lives with the donation of your organs. Truly an amazing man, in life and death.

Your organs went on to keep others alive so your body never really died. Your spirit is still amongst your friends, loved ones and co-workers as you watch over them.

God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 21, 2005

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Ortiz. May your memmory be eternal!

September 21, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, September 21, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Jose Ortiz who died on this date three years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Ortiz' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 21, 2003

This is a sad day for the Philadelphia Police Dept,family and friends of officer Ortiz ,but it shows the type of person officer Ortiz was,even with this tragedy he continues to save the lives of people he gave up his life trying  to protect,by donating his organs.To his family my prayers and thoughts are with you.His life will live on, inside each and everyone of his brother and sister officers.Job well done,you will never be forgotten

Anthony Britton
Philadelphia police dept

I'm not sure if or how many officers will read this but I wanted to leave my words of concolence for Officer Ortiz' family, co-workers and friends.  What a tragedy.  To the Officer that struck him, my heart and prayers are with you as well.  DO NOT BE ASHAMED TO SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR WHAT I'M SURE YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.  For Mrs. Ortiz and his little girl, what can I say.  There is no way I can know what you are going through and my words may or may not comfort you but know that my prayers as well as the prayers of others is with you today.  It's ironic how often these days officers are criticized for what some feel are injustices and even in death Officer Ortiz protects others and gives life by donating his organs.  God, I'm sure, has taken you into his arms and rewards you with the greatest gift of all, eternal life with him.  Rest well my brother, you have more than done your tour.

Leigh Persky
Montgomery County Sheriff, Alabama

Words cannot describe the desolation for the family of Officer Ortiz.  His wife Theresa and Nicole are still in shock and grief stricken.

Our heartfelt thanks to all of the city officials, police departments, many of which came from surrounding communities and to the public for their outpouring of compassion and love for my daughter and grandaughter.

The police oficers of the twenty-fifth police district were also devistated by this tragedy.
They repeatedly try to do anything they can to ease the grief for our family.  They are hurting as much as his immediate family.

Give your children an extra hug tonight and please remember to fill out your organ card and to tell your family members of your wishes.

Arlene C Mc Mahon

Served well in life, serves on in death.  P/O Ortiz continues to be a hero, as he had the courage in life to choose to be an Organ Donor.  He designated it on his driver's license, and discussed his wishes with his family.  His kidneys, corneas and heart valves are now aiding others in the Philadelphia area.  While his tragic death is our loss, his choice to give so others can live better lives shows the compassion and heroism that will be his legacy.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends & colleagues.

Jeremiah Daley
Philadelphia Police Department

It is now 10:35pm on the 25th of September, 2000 as I write this post.  10-35 is, most likely, the call that Officer Ortiz put out on his radio as he was chasing a suspected car-jacker on Cambria Street.  10-35.  "Assist the Officer".  That call has again been put out for every available officer to assist at Officer Ortiz's funeral.  As a citizen, I too will be there.  I will be standing behind those police officers, standing for Officer Ortiz's family.  I am so sorry that I have to be on Old Buselton Pike tomorrow, mourning for this brave officer, but I am thankful for the opportunity to show my gratitude, and to pay my respects.  Thank you, Officer Ortiz, for your service, for your courage, and for your life.  It will never be forgotten.

Gabriel L. Nathan

This tragedy can have  some positive benefits if it helps us all to use care and vigilance when responding to calls for assistance.  The agony that the officer driving the cruiser involved must be going through!! My sympathies to the family and co-workers of Officer Ortiz--and also, my sympathy and support for the officer driving the cruiser that struck him.

Anonymous

September 21 is my birtyday.
Usually a happy day untill i learned that such an unfortunate accident occured. I send my condolences to the family of P/O Jose M. Ortiz.

Anonymous

Only those who are willing to sacrafice all, like you, are true hero's. This is why I will continue to fight for justice. Thank you and God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)